In a sea of marketing strategies, cruise line executives are turning to social media influencers to attract new customers. Janet Bava, chief commercial officer of Windstar Cruises, emphasized the skepticism consumers have towards traditional marketing methods during the Seatrade Cruise Global conference. By collaborating with influencers, cruise lines can portray authenticity that resonates with potential
A new upscale resort is set to open in the Florida Keys’ Islamorada Village this coming fall. The 15-acre oceanfront property is a reimagining of the former Islamorada Resort Collection’s Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina and Pelican Cove Resort & Marina, both of which closed their doors last year. Now, after a renovation and
Starting a fashion brand amidst a global pandemic is no small feat, yet Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard did just that. The duo’s determination and belief in their designs paid off, culminating in prestigious awards and recognition within the fashion industry. Their success serves as a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance in
The cruising industry has experienced a significant increase in the number of new guests over the past year. Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises are among the companies that have reported a surge in new-to-cruise customers. This growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased advertising spend, the return of
American Cruise Lines recently announced the arrival of their fifth and sixth Project Blue coastal ships, scheduled for 2025. These ships, named American Patriot and American Pioneer, will be the first in the Patriot class and will each accommodate 125 passengers. One of the standout features of the Patriot class will be the expansive staterooms,
Cruise lines are continually looking for ways to enhance the passenger experience, and one of the growing trends in the industry is the creation of distinct themed areas on megaships. These themed areas, often referred to as “districts” or “neighborhoods,” are designed to offer specific vibes and cater to different interests of passengers. This approach
On Monday, the solar eclipse caused a frenzy at some of the country’s smaller airports, with the Federal Aviation Administration reporting that flights arriving at airports from Burlington, Vermont, to southern Illinois were briefly halted. This disruption is a common occurrence in big-city hubs due to bad weather and heavy traffic. However, the high demand
Spirit Airlines recently announced its decision to defer deliveries of new Airbus planes, leading to a ripple effect that includes the furlough of approximately 260 pilots. This strategic move is aimed at boosting the airline’s liquidity, with CEO Ted Christie emphasizing the necessity of these actions for ensuring a strong and profitable future for Spirit.
Gymkhana Fine Foods, a retail extension of the renowned Indian restaurant Gymkhana London, has recently secured $3 million in seed funding led by CAVU Consumer Partners, a venture capital firm. This investment marks a significant step towards bringing the Michelin-level experience of Gymkhana London to the homes of consumers. With a focus on modern, quality
Tucked away in the quaint village of Portovenere, with the stunning Ligurian Sea as its backdrop, Grand Hotel Portovenere stands as a grand architectural masterpiece teeming with history and elegance. Once a home to the revered St. Francis Convent, this historical property has been meticulously restored to its former glory, offering a luxurious retreat between
Spirit Airlines recently announced that they have reached an agreement with Airbus to defer aircraft deliveries. The planes that were originally scheduled to arrive between the second quarter of 2025 and the end of 2026 will now be delivered in 2030 and 2031. This strategic move is aimed at improving the liquidity of the struggling
The recent pilot hiring pauses by United and Southwest Airlines may signal an end to the pilot shortage in the U.S. airline industry post-pandemic, but the situation is more nuanced than it appears. While mainline carriers have managed to overcome their pilot shortages, regional carriers are still struggling with a shortage of captains. This imbalance
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings recently announced a significant order for eight new ships that will be constructed by Fincantieri, a renowned shipbuilding company. These ships are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2036, marking a significant expansion for the company. The order includes vessels for all three of NCLH’s brands, with four Prima Plus ships
A recent incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 highlights the potential dangers associated with engine malfunctions during flight. The engine cowling falling off and striking a wing flap during takeoff from Denver International Airport poses serious safety concerns for both passengers and airline staff. The fact that this incident occurred during a critical phase
Princess Cruises has announced a new partnership with Brightline intercity passenger rail to provide travelers with a unique “Rail and Sail” program that will make getting to their cruise even easier. This innovative program will allow guests cruising from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral to seamlessly transition from train to ship, all while enjoying the
As 2024 unfolds, Spain’s state-run luxury hotel network, Paradores, is introducing a range of exciting developments. One of the highlights is the opening of Parador de Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha, in late 2024. This contemporary-style Parador will offer 22 rooms, wellness facilities, and a restaurant showcasing regional cuisine. The property, nestled atop
In the past five years, Boeing’s 737 Max airplanes have been at the center of two devastating plane crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which claimed the lives of 346 people. These incidents raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of Boeing’s aircraft. Moreover, in January 2024, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 plane experienced
The ongoing efforts by airlines to push travel agencies into adopting NDC have been met with resistance and challenges. Many agencies that have made the shift to NDC face difficulties with post-ticketing servicing. The move away from the legacy GDS systems towards NDC is expected to become more prevalent in the industry. With airlines like